Ep 038: Lessons From the Corporate Ladder & the Trenches of Ministry - An Interview with Jenni Catron

If you’re a leader in the New England area, you’re invited to Activate 2016, a one-day leadership event designed to encourage and equip leaders to continue advancing God’s Kingdom in this region. We will be hearing from Pastors Mark Batterson, Larry Osborne, Levi Lusko, and Josh Gagnon, and we will also be offering new break out sessions which are designed to educate and develop leaders within their specialized areas of ministry. Come join us on Wednesday, September 21 at Next Level Church in Somersworth, NH as we worship, learn, and grow as leaders together at Activate 2016. Sign up today to take advantage of our Early Bird pricing! Go to www.activateleaders.com for more information.

Today’s conversation is with author, speaker, and leadership expert, Jenni Catron. Jenni has served on the executive leadership teams of Menlo Church in Menlo Park, CA and Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. Prior to ministry leadership, she worked as Artist Development Director in the Christian music industry. Jenni speaks at conferences and churches nationwide, seeking to help others develop their leadership gifts and lead confidently in the different spheres of influence God has granted them. Additionally, she consults with individuals and teams on leadership and organizational health. Jenni has written several books including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence and The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership.

1. Be open to God’s prompting, whether you’re asking something big of someone or you’re the one being asked. In Jenni’s case, she was the one being asked to do something she never would have considered, but because of current circumstances in her life she was able to say “Yes”. As a leader, you may need to make a big ask of someone who might say “No”, but you don’t know that for sure. So ask anyway.

2. Relational leadership is integral for successful leadership. When Jenni transitioned from corporate leadership to church leadership, she learned an important lesson: See the people you are leading as people, not as a means to your end.

3. If you want to find better ways to engage your church, you have to be willing to listen to your church. There is no “one size fits all” approach to church. Each body of believers is different, which is highly influenced by the culture they find themselves in. You’ll never know how to meet the needs of your church until you know what those needs are, and in order to attain this knowledge, you need to listen.

Quotes From This Episode:

“Our job is to be faithful to the prompting God might put on our heart. God’s responsible for outcomes.” - Jenni Catron

“Don’t say ‘No’ for them.” - Jenni Catron

“It’s remarkable how God is at work when we’re just faithful and obedient.” - Jenni Catron

“A lot of times we will try to manufacture things that feel successful as leaders.” - Jenni Catron

“Our job isn’t to make people happy, it’s to help people become better.” - Jenni Catron

“Sometimes we exchange that person being happy for us in this moment for actually what’s best for that person and their growth and their development.” - Jenni Catron